For many people, it’s vacation time. Preparing before a trip is a chore. Not only do you have to pack your bags and secure travel documents, but you have to get the house ready for your absence.

Have you ever gotten to the airport and had a moment of panic wondering if you pulled the door securely as you departed? We have accidentally left the garage open when we were traveling—not good. At least a neighbor alerted us and he was able to close it.

Depending on whether you are out of town for a night or several weeks, there are certain tasks to arrange before heading out. You’ll want to personalize this checklist as a reminder of pre-trip tasks. For instance, if you have animals, what are the arrangements for feeding, boarding or pet sitting? The list may take a few minutes to compile, but it’s worth the stress relief, knowing that you’ve taken care of the details before departing.